Lexus has a long history with electrified vehicles, mostly hybrids, but only recently has the Japanese brand embraced fully electric cars. The 2023 Lexus RZ followed the UX 300e, marking the company’s second all-electric effort. Built on the same platform as the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, the original RZ was a comfortable drive, but its limited range and slow charging held it back. Fast forward to 2025, and Lexus has made thoughtful updates to address those issues.
Tech Specs
| Model tested | Lexus RZ 500e |
| Irish pricing | tbc |
| Powertrain | electric – 280kW dual motors, 77kWh lithium-ion battery |
| Transmission | automatic – single-speed reduction-gear, Direct4 all-wheel drive |
| Body style | five-door, five-seat coupe-SUV |
| CO2 emissions | 0g/km |
| Irish motor tax | €120 per annum |
| Energy consumption | 16.6-18.2kWh/100km |
| Official range | 500km on 18-inch wheels, 456km on 20-inch wheels |
| Max charging speeds | 150kW on DC, 22kW on AC |
| 0-100km/h | 4.6 seconds |
| Max power | 381hp |
| Max torque | 538Nm |
| Boot space | 522 litres rear seats up, 1,451 litres rear seats down |
| Max towing weight | 1,500kg (braked trailer) |
| Kerb weight | 2,100-2,165kg |
We had the chance to test the updated dual-motor RZ 500e at its international launch in Portugal. Here’s our take.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Longer driving range
- Luxurious, high-quality interior
- Cultured, refined driving experience
Cons:
- Large wheels can compromise ride comfort
- Steering yoke feels unusual and unintuitive
Exterior & Design
The 2025 RZ isn’t a facelift—Lexus hasn’t altered its exterior lines—but it remains a stylish, angular coupe-SUV. Its proportions are balanced, and a potential two-tone scheme with a black bonnet could add even more visual distinction. Wheel options are 18- or 20-inch alloys, though the larger size can reduce range.
Dimensions:
- Length: 4,805mm
- Width: 1,895mm
- Height: 1,635mm
- Wheelbase: 2,850mm
Interior, Comfort & Tech
Inside, Lexus has kept the RZ largely the same, except for the new steer-by-wire system with its unusual oblong “yoke” steering wheel. While futuristic, it takes time to adapt to, and some functions—like wipers and indicators—rotate with the wheel itself, making it a little unintuitive.
Beyond the yoke, the interior is impressive. Build quality is excellent, materials feel premium, and the 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive compared with older Lexus models. Passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom, even with the panoramic sunroof. The boot offers 522–1,451 liters, ideal for family life or weekend getaways.
Performance
The RZ range now includes the RZ 350e (224hp) and the RZ 500e (381hp), the latter being our test car. It delivers smooth, refined driving with sharp body control, minimal lean, and excellent traction, thanks to updates in the Direct4 AWD system.
The yoke may feel odd at low speeds, but at higher speeds, steering is natural. Cornering is composed, and while it’s not a sporty SUV, the RZ is a pleasure to drive. The optional “Interactive Manual Drive,” which simulates gear changes and engine noises, feels more like a gimmick than a necessity.
Range, Battery & Charging
Battery capacity has increased to 77kWh, improving real-world range significantly. The RZ 500e offers:
- 500 km on 18-inch wheels
- 456 km on 20-inch wheels
Charging has also improved: AC peak rate doubled to 22kW, and battery pre-conditioning helps maintain fast DC charging even in colder climates. A 10–80% charge can take as little as 30 minutes on a 150kW DC charger.
Running Costs
As a zero-emission vehicle, the RZ 500e is cheaper to run than a comparable petrol SUV. Energy consumption is reasonable, and while the standard warranty is only three years/100,000 km, Lexus reliability is typically excellent.
Pricing & Rivals
Irish prices are yet to be confirmed. Expect the updated 500e to cost more than the previous 300e (€65,150). Two trims will be available: Executive (350e) and One Motion (500e).
Competitors include premium EV SUVs such as the Polestar 2, Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX2, and even Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 5 for those seeking a broader comparison.
Verdict
The 2025 Lexus RZ 500e builds on its predecessor with more power, longer range, and improved refinement. While the steer-by-wire yoke may divide opinion, this EV delivers the comfort, technology, and luxury expected from Lexus. For buyers in Ireland seeking a sophisticated, relaxing, and practical electric SUV, the RZ 500e is a strong contender.
FAQs:
Will there be a hybrid version?
No. The RZ is fully electric, with no hybrid variants planned.
Why isn’t the F Sport available in Ireland?
The F Sport trim is exclusive to the higher-powered RZ 550e, which won’t be sold in Ireland.
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